Mock OUI sobering for KHS students

KENNEBUNK — Abby Ackley stumbled away from the car, dress covered in blood and staggering from all she'd had to drink.

Laura Dolce

KENNEBUNK — Abby Ackley stumbled away from the car, dress covered in blood and staggering from all she'd had to drink.

In the backseat, a passenger wailed, "Conor!" but it was too late. Thrown from the car when it crumpled against the tree, Conor Finn lay yards away, dead.

As firefighters and other emergency personnel rushed to cut the passengers from the car, Kennebunk Police Officer Mark Carney approached Ackley, asking her questions. Then, he administered a field sobriety test.

When Ackley failed, she was handcuffed and taken away.

Across the lawn, workers from Bibber's Funeral home zipped Finn's body in a body bag, then loaded him into hearse.

It was thanks to Ackley, Finn and the other participants of last Friday's pre-prom Mock OUI accident at Kennebunk High School that this scene played out only once on the long holiday weekend.

Through a combined effort by the school, Liberty Mutual and local emergency services personnel, the Mock OUI was a somber reminder of what could happen if teens are foolish enough to drink and drive. It capped a week of events put together to drive that same message home.

Next year Ackley, a junior, will go on "trial" for her part in the accident.

While this year's seniors won't be around to see that, it was clear from the hundreds of somber faces watching her play her part to perfection that hers is a role they won't soon forget.

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